TZG’s NJ Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Accomplishments
In a fiscal year marked by tighter margins and competing demands, New Jersey’s budget season once again proved to be a challenging one. As with every budget cycle, it began with the release of the Governor’s proposed budget in February, launching months of negotiations, public testimony and agency review.
Throughout this process, TZG worked closely with clients to engage members of the Senate and Assembly Budget Committees, legislative leadership, and the Governor’s Office. These conversations underscored the importance of strategic investments and how targeted funding can directly support New Jerseyans across housing, education, public health and beyond.
With the FY 2026 budget signed on June 30, 2025, we’re proud to share some of this year’s accomplishments:
Bill S317/A1446 Heads to the Governor
Nearly two years after its introduction in January 2024, Bill S317/A1446 has officially passed both houses of the New Jersey Legislature as of June 30, 2025!
On behalf of our client, the Athletic Trainers’ Society of New Jersey (ATSNJ), TZG’s Eric Orlando and Karlito Almeda worked closely on this effort. This bill updates New Jersey’s athletic training standards to keep pace with the modern scope of the profession, ensuring that qualified athletic trainers are properly recognized and regulated. Learn more about Bill S317/A1446.
ATSNJ President Steven Barandica shared, “We also need to thank Eric Orlando (The Zita Group), our longtime advisor and advocate in the halls of Trenton, who was with us through every twist and turn.”
The bill now awaits review by Governor Murphy. Stay tuned for more updates.
Blocked the Proposed Alcohol Tax Hike
What didn’t make it into New Jersey’s final budget? The proposed 10% tax hike on alcohol. TZG’s Eric Orlando worked to keep this increase out of the NJ Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, protecting local businesses, restaurants, and consumers from a steep new cost at a time when inflation continues to strain household and operational budgets.
Secured Funding For a Higher Education Institution
TZG’s Christopher Hughes successfully secured funding for a key higher education renovation project that was initially left out of the Governor’s original budget proposal. The project will convert an existing academic building into an interdisciplinary center focused on clean energy and environmental research, designed to support a growing student population of more than 15,000 and prepare them for careers in a rapidly evolving green economy.
Expanded Access to Reentry Services in NJ
With advocacy led by TZG’s Ken Murphy and Ed McGlynn, funding for critical reentry services was preserved in the NJ Fiscal Year 2026 Budget. This funding ensures individuals returning from incarceration can continue to access the support they need for a stable, successful transition. Operating across Cumberland, Salem, and Burlington counties, these services connect people to housing, employment assistance, transportation and healthcare. By removing barriers and building pathways to independence, this work remains essential to reducing recidivism and strengthening communities.
Supported United Way of Northern NJ’s Three Programs
When funding for United Way of Northern New Jersey was eliminated in the proposed budget, TZG’s Ken Murphy led the charge to restore critical programs that provide essential support to struggling families across the state.
- VITA: The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax preparation services to households with incomes of $84,000 or less. In 2024 alone, the program returned an estimated $30 million in federal refunds and generated $1.6 million in state tax revenue.
Learn more: https://vita.unitedwaynnj.org/ - United in Care: This initiative expands access to high-quality, affordable child care by linking licensed centers with home-based providers through a shared services model. The program strengthens care quality, increases capacity, and supports the financial health of child care providers—all while meeting the needs of working families.
Learn more: https://www.unitedwaynnj.org/united-in-care - Alice Recovery Fund: The ALICE Recovery Fund offers a vital lifeline for families who suddenly find themselves facing an unexpected emergency. Available to residents across Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Suburban Essex, Sussex, and Warren counties, this fund helps prevent one-time crises from spiraling into long-term setbacks.
Learn more: https://www.unitedwaynnj.org/alice-recovery-fund
Secured Funding for Camden Coalition
TZG’s Trish Zita and Karlito Almeda helped secure funding for the Camden Coalition. As one of New Jersey’s four Regional Health Hubs, the Coalition plays a critical role in advancing whole-person care by connecting data, providers and communities. This funding ensures they can continue driving systems change and improving care for individuals with complex health and social needs across South Jersey.
Learn more: https://camdenhealth.org/
About The Zita Group
The Zita Group is a woman-owned government and public affairs firm, both founded and led by Patrizia “Trish” Zita. Our bipartisan, experienced team of strategic consultants is widely respected by elected, appointed and government officials of both parties across New Jersey’s political landscape. We provide our clients unique insights into the decision-making process at the highest levels. We bring to bear credible working relationships with executive branch officials, legislators, and staff. Our team’s effectiveness has been demonstrated again and again by the results we achieve for our clients.
